Aisen C. Chacin, PhD
Christopher J. Zahner, MD
Nursing Program Development
In response to the urgent need for ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic, UTMB staff developed an emergency ventilator prototype that uses readily available medical supplies to supplement care should the need arise. Invented and tested in the UTMB MakerHealth Space Lab –another President’s Cabinet project—this simple blood-pressure cuff device was broadcast around the world. To test, manufacture and deploy these devices, a bio-compatibility study will need to be conducted to obtain FDA approval. Funding provided by the President’s Cabinet will support three studies, a series of design/manufacturing/engineering consultations, materials for 50 units, packaging, and distribution.